Peaceful and Active Fun: Pedal the Rails at Forest Park, Indiana

To arrive at the rail adventure, you drive through Forest Park, which is a destination on its own. Families were everywhere—birthday parties, reunions, kids on the playground, people biking and walking, even putt-putt golfers. This is a big plus for neurodivergent families: if the Rail Adventure is too much or you need to regulate before/after, there are plenty of other options to enjoy in the park.

Parking on a Saturday afternoon takes some patience because of the park’s popularity, but it’s manageable with a few tips:

• Accessibility: Two handicap spots right at the Rail Adventure entrance, both with ramp access.
• Extra room: A larger lot to the north often has open spaces and shade trees—especially helpful for those who need calmer transitions before entering a new activity.
• Timing: Give yourself an extra 10–15 minutes before check-in, so parking stress doesn’t spill into the start of your adventure.

Check-in happens inside the small train station, but both doors stay open, so you don’t have to funnel the whole group through a crowded indoor space. One person can easily check in with your scannable ticket while the rest of your group heads straight through onto the platform where the Nickel Plate Express train is parked.

 Important: You must check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled ride time.

The staff also shared a tip: during the summer, the 1:00 p.m. ride can be brutally hot. If you or your neurodivergent family member are sensitive to heat, choose a later afternoon ride. They also offer sunset rides and shorter versions that may better fit your family.

Once on the platform, there are several great spots to either find quiet or stay engaged until the ride begins:

• Quiet End of the Platform (Right): Much less crowded, with overhead canopies and shaded seating.
• The Little Nook: Just outside the rail station—exit, turn right, then immediate right again—you’ll find a three-sided nook that feels safe and contained.
• Cornhole & Umbrella Tables (Left): Cornhole for activity seekers, plus tables and chairs with umbrellas for those who prefer to relax.
• Along the Station: Canopy seating with “Did You Know?” signs that share history of the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad (great reading if waiting is tough).

While waiting, don’t miss the train cars themselves. Their massive nuts, bolts, and mechanical parts are fascinating up close. We even played a game—who can find the biggest nut and bolt?—and walked car to car noticing details that were “small,” yet massive.

Before boarding, everyone gathers for a clear and simple safety briefing. The most important rule: how to stop safely. That gave Brooke a lot of confidence—knowing exactly what to do if she needed to slow down.

Another key rule: no getting off the rail car for any reason. Even if you see a shiny golf ball or a fuzzy animal, it’s not safe to step off the tracks. Knowing this ahead of time helped Brooke manage her expectations.

Groups are called one at a time to cross the tracks to their numbered rail car. Be prepared: you’ll walk over large rocks, railroad ties, grass, and a small hill—uneven surfaces that take some agility. Staff cannot physically assist with lifting riders, but they noted that individuals with mobility needs or wheelchairs can ride if they are lifted into the seat by their own family/group or if they can sit securely on their own.

Getting Settled

Each four-person car includes:

• Adjustable seats that slide to your leg length.
• Seat Belts: Required under 18, optional for extra security.
• Drink Holders: Several per car—keep water handy.
• Storage Basket: Large enough for personal items or a small cooler (encouraged!).
• Crew Size & Spacing: 10–12 cars launch together, but staff space them out for privacy.
• Photos at Send-Off: Staff will happily take family photos on your phone while you wait to launch.

Seating Tip: The seats are hard plastic, similar to bleachers. At 4’9”, I don’t often feel comfortable on these types of seats, so I brought a small pillow from my porch chair—and it made the ride so much more comfortable!

And let me say this: the staff could not have been more amazing. Patient, kind, funny, encouraging—they made the day special from start to finish.

The rail cars glide smoothly down the tracks, with the rhythmic metal-on-metal sound creating the most relaxing white noise. I honestly felt my blood pressure drop—and apparently I wasn’t the only one, since the little 4-year-old up ahead was completely asleep by the end.

Pedaling Together

I was nervous about pedaling for two hours, but with four riders, the effort was shared. Many groups rotated—two pedaling, two resting—and it worked perfectly. We even did a few playful sprints to see how fast we could go. Best of all, the next day I wasn’t even sore—and I’m 56!

Safety at Crossings

You cross two roads along the route. Staff in yellow vests with orange flags stop traffic and wave each car through. Brooke loved that safety was completely out of her hands—she could relax knowing someone else was in control.

Each crossing was marked by a “W” sign ahead of time, which gave us a chance to anticipate it. We made it fun by yelling “choo choo!” and doing the train horn motion each time. It was pure joy.

Scenery

• A deer staring right at us.
• A chipmunk darting away.
• Sheep grazing.
• Horses in pasture.
• Golfers waving.
• Tall trees forming a cool, shaded tunnel.

Every few minutes, something new appeared, keeping both Brooke and Noah engaged and entertained.

Halfway Stop

About 45 minutes in, everyone pulls into a shaded turnaround point with tables, chairs, umbrellas, and open space to stretch.

We walked the rails, snapped photos, and rehydrated. Pack more water than you think you’ll need—I underestimated and had to share Ryan’s bottle. Bring one per person!

Tips for this stop:

• Wear sunscreen & bug spray. Even in the shade, the bugs can be vicious.
• Quiet Corners Exist. While some mingled, we found the far end where it was calm and gave us room to breathe.
• Seats, Not Cars, Turn Around. Staff rotate the seats while you rest—so you return facing the other way.
• Pace Shifts. We ended up right behind the “fast group” on the way back, which was much more enjoyable for Brooke and Noah than being stuck behind slower riders.

Return Ride

Even though we traveled the same stretch of rail back, we noticed so many things we’d missed before. It turned into easy conversation, laughter, and shared discoveries.

Neurodivergent Tip: Turn the return into a Find & Seek game with a checklist (horse, “W” sign, bridge, golfer, etc.). Or create a photo scavenger hunt to enjoy later at dinner. We loved reviewing our photos and videos afterward—it extended the joy of the day.

The return ride felt calmer and more playful—we even did boys vs. girls, old vs. young pedaling contests. It was the perfect ending rhythm.